Originally appearing as The Lightbug in Beadwork magazine (June/July 2003), this posting describes how to make a simple figure from a twig, wire and beads—a four legged "bug"—inspired by a renewed appreciation for the simple materials and crafts of my youth. By showing how to replicate a basic figure, my intent is to provide a springboard for more creative interpretations of bug-ness.

For me the essence of a bug consists of the more mammalian four legs + head, spine, and torso. The spines/backbones of my first bugs were rib bones of small animals that i found for sale at the Santa Fe flea market. However, spines can be made in many ways and as part of my updated notes, i show spines made from tree and shrub cuttings.